The rocket will send a new Russian transport ship into orbit. First in unmanned mode
The head of Roscosmos, Yuri Borisov, said that the first launch of the modernized heavy-class launch vehicle «Angara-A5M» scheduled for 2027. According to Borisov, the launch will be combined with comprehensive testing of a promising transport ship (PTK NP) in an unmanned version. «And this will be our next launch of "Angara" from Eastern», — added the head of Roscosmos.
The new domestic transport ship was initially called «Federation», and then — «Eagle». As we already wrote, it is now in the final stages of construction. After the unmanned launch, the first flight with a crew is planned — in 2028. The new ship will deliver astronauts to the Russian Orbital Station (ROS).
Borisov also noted that «Angara-A5M» will be equipped with a RD-191M main engine, which is 10% more powerful than that used in the conventional Hangar-A5. We previously reported that we had already passed the first tests of this engine. The new rocket will also receive an updated control system, navigation equipment, on-board video monitoring system and a lightweight design, which will increase the mass of the payload to 27 tons.